Sterilization methods and systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for sterilizing one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are described. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can be used to sterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas through use of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can be utilized so that objects, such as humans, that are within one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas are not substantially irradiated with sterilizing radiation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/396,256, entitled STERILIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS, namingEdward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud,John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 31Mar. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/411,207, entitled SURVEYING STERILIZER METHODSAND SYSTEMS, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., ClarenceT. Tegreene, and Lowell L. Wood Jr. as inventors, filed 25 Apr. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/414,743, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FORMONITORING STERILIZATION STATUS, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A.Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., andLowell L. Wood Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Apr. 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication also constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. To Be Assigned, entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FORSTERILIZATION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W.Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D. Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood Jr. asinventors, filed 23 May 2006.

For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. To BeAssigned, entitled STERILIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D.Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 26 May 2006.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference tothe application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as setforth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not tobe construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as towhether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Relatedapplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems that may be usedin many contexts such as sterilization of health-care related areas.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includesdetermining if one or more objects are present or absent within one ormore areas and transmitting one or more signals to one or more sourcesof sterilizing radiation in response to the determining. In addition tothe foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims,drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includesapproximating one or more distances from one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areasand transmitting one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation in response to the approximating. In addition tothe foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims,drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization method is provided that includesreceiving one or more signals from one or more detectors and emittingsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving. In addition to theforegoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and/or text forming a part of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includesmeans for determining if one or more objects are present or absentwithin one or more areas and means for transmitting one or more signalsto one or more sources of sterilizing radiation responsive to the meansfor determining if one or more objects are present or absent within oneor more areas.

In some embodiments, related systems include but are not limited tocircuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein-referenced methodaspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually anycombination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effectthe herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design choicesof the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming apart of the present application.

In some embodiments, a sterilization system is provided that includescircuitry for determining if one or more objects are present or absentwithin one or more areas and circuitry for transmitting one or moresignals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation responsive tothe circuitry for determining if one or more objects are present orabsent within one or more areas. In addition to the foregoing, othersystem aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or textforming a part of the present application.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be inany way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments,and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and featureswill become apparent by reference to the drawings and the followingclaims and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example system 130 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example system 160 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 1D illustrates an example system 190 in which embodiments may beimplemented.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization methods.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization methods.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization methods.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationflow of FIG. 13.

FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow representing example operationsrelated to sterilization systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless contextdictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in thedetailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented here.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, otheraspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes ofillustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scopeand spirit being indicated by the following claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to providea sterilization method that may be used to sterilize one or more areas,one or more portions of one or more areas, one or more objects within anarea, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments,the system 100 is operable to provide a sterilization method that can beused to sterilize one or more areas, sterilize one or more portions ofone or more areas, sterilize one or more objects within one or moreareas, avoid sterilizing one or more areas, avoid sterilizing one ormore portions of one or more areas, avoid sterilizing one or moreobjects within one or more areas, and/or substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the system 100 is operable to sterilizeone or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas withoutexposing one or more humans present within the one or more areas or oneor more portions of the one or more areas to sterilizing radiation. Insome embodiments, the system 100 is operable to sterilize one or moreareas or one or more portions of one or more areas without substantiallyexposing one or more humans present within the one or more areas or oneor more portions of the one or more areas to sterilizing radiation.

The system 100 includes one or more determining units 102. The one ormore determining units can be used to determine if one or more objects104 are present or absent within one or more areas or portions of one ormore areas 106. In some embodiments, the one or more determining units102 can detect one or more signals associated with one or more humans.In some embodiments, the one or more determining units 102 can determineone or more distances between surfaces within the one or more areas 106.In some embodiments, the one or more determining units 102 can determineif one or more shadows are present within one or more areas 106. In someembodiments, the one or more determining units 102 can determine one ormore shapes that correspond to one or more objects present or absentwithin one or more areas 106. The one or more determining units 102 mayutilize numerous technologies. For example, a determining unit 102 canuse technologies that include, but are not limited to, infraredradiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection;corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers,bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonardetection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infraredrange finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof.

The system 100 includes the presence or absence of one or more objects104. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areasor one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objectsinclude, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants,surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables,machinery, waste areas, and the like.

The system 100 includes one or more areas or one or more portions of oneor more areas 106. The system 100 may be used within numerous areas andportions of areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limitedto, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, suchas airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and thelike. In some embodiments, one or more areas can include portions of oneor more areas. Examples of portions of one or more areas include, butare not limited to, one or more sinks within one or more operatingrooms, one or more tables within one or more operating rooms, one ormore sections of flooring within one or more operating rooms, one ormore sections of siding within one or more operating rooms, and thelike. The one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas106 can contain numerous types of contamination. Examples of suchcontamination can include, but are not limited to, bacteria, fungus,viruses, spores, microbes, eggs, and the like. Accordingly, sterilizingradiation can be used to kill or inactivate such contamination. Exampleirradiation parameters are provided in Table I and can be readilydetermined through standard protocols. TABLE I Sample Parameters forSterilization with Ultraviolet Purifiers Energy in Energy in mW-sec/cm²mW-sec/cm² Sterilization Sterilization Bacteria up to 90% up to 99%Bacillus anthracis 4.52 9.04 S. enteritidis 4.00 8.00 B. megatherium1.30 2.60 sp.(vegetative) B. megatherium 2.73 5.46 sp.(spores) B.paratyphosus 3.20 6.40 B. subtilis 7.10 14.20 B. subtilis spores 12.0024.00 Corynebacterium 3.37 6.74 diphtheriae Eberthella typhosa 2.14 4.28Escherichia coli 3.00 6.00 Micrococcus candidus 6.05 12.10 Micrococcussphaeroides 10.00 20.00 Neisseria catarrhalis 4.40 8.80 Phytomonas 4.408.80 tumefaciens. Proteus vulgaris 2.64 5.28 Pseudomonas 5.50 11.00aeruginosa Pseudomonas 3.50 7.00 fluorescens S. typhimurium 8.00 16.00Sarcina Lutea 19.70 39.40 Seratia marcescens 2.42 4.84 Dysentery bacilli2.20 4.40 Shigella paradysenteriae 1.68 3.36 Spirillum rubrum 4.40 8.80Staphylococcus albus 1.84 3.68 Staphylococcus aureus 2.60 5.20Streptococcus 2.16 4.32 hemolyticus Streptococcus lactis 6.15 12.30Streptocuccus viridans 2.00 4.00

The system 100 includes one or more transmitting units 108. The one ormore transmitting units 108 can transmit one or more signals 110 to oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 in response to one or moredetermining units 102. The one or more transmitting units 108 cantransmit numerous types of signals 110 to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation 112. For example, the one or more transmittingunits 108 can transmit a signal 110 that includes, but is not limitedto, a hardwired signal, an infrared signal, an optical signal, aradiofrequency (RF) signal, a digital signal, an analog signal, orsubstantially any combination thereof to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation 112.

The system 100 includes one or more signals 110. The one or more signals110 can include numerous types of information. In some embodiments, oneor more signals 110 can include instructions for one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation 112 to emit sterilizing radiation substantiallyconstantly. In some embodiments, one or more signals 110 can includeinstructions for one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 toemit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. A signal 110 can include, but isnot limited to, instructions with regard to numerous types and/orcombinations of sterilizing radiation, such as ultraviolet light and/orgamma radiation, that are to be emitted from one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation 112. In some embodiments, one or more signals 110can include information related to wavelengths of radiation to beemitted from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112. Forexample, in some embodiments, one or more signals 110 can includeinstructions for one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 toemit ultraviolet light having wavelengths between 100 nanometers and 400nanometers and/or substantially any combination of wavelengths between100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In other embodiments, one or moresignals 110 can include instructions for one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation 112 to emit ultraviolet light having wavelengthsbetween 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers and/or substantially anycombination of wavelengths between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. Inother embodiments, one or more signals 110 can include instructions forone or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 to emit ultravioletlight having wavelengths between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometersand/or substantially any combination of wavelengths between 255nanometers and 280 nanometers. In other embodiments, one or more signals110 can include instructions for one or more sources of sterilizingradiation 112 to emit ultraviolet light having wavelengths between 250nanometers and 280 nanometers and/or substantially any combination ofwavelengths between 250 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In still otherembodiments, one or more signals 110 can include instructions for one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation 112 to emit ultraviolet lighthaving wavelengths that are centered, but asymmetric, and about 265nanometers and/or substantially any combination of wavelengths of suchlight. In some embodiments, one or more signals 110 can includeinstructions for one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 toexclude the emission of one or more wavelengths of radiation from one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation 112. One or more signals 110 caninclude instructions to direct the emission of sterilizing radiationfrom one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112. One or moresignals 110 can include instructions to shape the emission ofsterilizing radiation from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation112. One or more signals 110 can include instructions for one or moresources of sterilizing radiation 112 to emit numerous types ofnon-sterilizing radiation. Such non-sterilizing radiation can include,but is not limited to, infrared radiation, sonic radiation, ultrasonicradiation, and the like. In some embodiments, one or more signals 110can include information related to distances between one or moresurfaces within one or more areas 106 to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation 112. In some embodiments, such information can beused to direct sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, suchinformation can be used to shape and/or focus sterilizing radiation. Insome embodiments, one or more signals 110 can be transmitted to one ormore recording devices 114. In some embodiments, one or more signals 110can include instructions for one or more sources of sterilizingradiation 112 to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas 106according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one ormore areas 106. In some embodiments, one or more signals 110 can includeinstructions for one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 toemit sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas 106 in a prioritizedmanner. In some embodiments, one or more signals include instructionsfor one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to irradiate one ormore areas 106 with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and thelike. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating oneor more areas 106 with regard to time-integrated intensity ofsterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or more areas 106 asfunctions of either relative or absolute locations in the referenceenclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard orhigh-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes can be specified for themost rigorous and/or frequent irradiation. One or more signals 110 caninclude instructions for one or more sources of sterilizing radiation112 to emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more shapes thatcorrespond to one or more objects 104 within one or more areas 106.

The system 100 includes one or more sources of sterilizing radiation112. Numerous sources of sterilizing radiation may be used within system100. Examples of such sources of sterilizing radiation include, but arenot limited to, emission from a cobalt-60 source, coherent light emittedfrom one or more frequency quadrupled-Nd YAG/glass lasers(neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:Y3Al5O12), incoherent lightemitted from one or more low-pressure mercury resonance lamps, emissionfrom tunable dye lasers, and the like. Sources of sterilizing radiationare known in the art and are commercially available (XENON Corporation,Wilmington, Mass.; Big Sky Laser Technologies, Inc., Bozeman, Mont.;Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618). In some embodiments, oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 can emit one or more formsof non-sterilizing radiation. Examples of such non-sterilizing radiationinclude infrared radiation, sonic radiation, ultrasonic radiation, andthe like. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation 112 will emit sterilizing radiation according to parametersset at the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112. In someembodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 will emitsterilizing radiation according to instructions included within one ormore signals 110 received by the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation 112. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation 112 will emit sterilizing radiation according to parametersset at the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 andaccording to instructions included within one or more signals 110received by the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112. Insome embodiments, emission of sterilizing radiation from one or moresources of sterilizing radiation can be started and stopped, intensitymodulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to followa preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, or substantially anycombination thereof.

The system 100 may include one or more recording devices 114. In someembodiments, one or more signals 110 are transmitted to one or morerecording devices 114. The one or more recording devices can recordnumerous types of information. In some embodiments, the one or morerecording devices can record one or more frequencies of radiation, oneor more intensities of radiation, one or more durations of irradiation,one or more wavelengths of radiation, one or more times of irradiation,one or more areas that were irradiated, the presence or absence of oneor more objects within one or more areas, the identity of one or moreobjects present within one or more areas, the last time that one or moreareas were irradiated, and/or substantially any combination thereof withwhich one or more areas were sterilized or partially sterilized. Manytypes of recording devices 114 may be used. Examples of such recordingdevices include, but are not limited to, many types of memory, opticaldisks, magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and the like. In some embodiments,one or more recording devices provide for user interaction 116.

The system 100 may provide for user interaction 116. In someembodiments, a user 118 may interact with one or more transmitting units108, one or more determining units 102, one or more recording devices114, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112, and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. Such interaction can include, butis not limited to, inputting instructions related to the sterilizationof one or more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas withregard to time, place, duration, intensity, priority, and/orsubstantially any combination thereof. The user 118 can interact throughuse of numerous technologies. For example, user interaction 116 canoccur through use of hardwired methods, such as through use of akeyboard, use of wireless methods, use of the internet, and the like.

In some embodiments, the sterilization method involves completelysterilizing one or more areas, partially sterilizing one or more areas,sterilizing a portion of one or more areas, sterilizing one or moreobjects within one or more areas, or substantially any combinationthereof. In other embodiments, the method includes avoidingsterilization of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one ormore portions of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of one ormore objects within one or more areas, or substantially any combinationthereof. In still other embodiments, the method includes partiallysterilizing one or more areas, sterilizing one or more portions of oneor more areas, sterilizing one or more objects within one or more areas,avoiding sterilization of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization ofone or more portions of one or more areas, avoiding sterilization of oneor more objects within one or more areas, or substantially anycombination thereof.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example system 130 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 130 is operable to providea sterilization method that may be used to sterilize an area, a portionof an area, objects within an area, and/or substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the system 130 is operable to provide asterilization method that can be used to sterilize an area, sterilize aportion of an area, sterilize objects within an area, avoid sterilizingan area, avoid sterilizing a portion of an area, avoid sterilizingobjects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the system 130 is operable to sterilize an area orportion of an area 106 without exposing one or more humans presentwithin the area or portion of the area 106 to sterilizing radiation. Insome embodiments, the system 130 is operable to sterilize an area orportion of an area 106 without substantially exposing one or more humanspresent within the area or portion of the area 106 to sterilizingradiation.

The system 130 includes one or more approximating units 132. In someembodiments, the one or more approximating units 132 can be used toapproximate one or more distances between one or more surfaces 134within one or more areas 106. In some embodiments, the one or moreapproximating units 132 can be used to approximate one or more distancesbetween one or more surfaces in one or more areas 106 and one or moresources of sterilizing radiation 112. In some embodiments, the one ormore surfaces 134 are on one or more objects 104 included within the oneor more areas 106. In some embodiments, the one or more surfaces 134 areon one or more humans. In some embodiments, the one or moreapproximating units 132 can approximate the distances between one ormore shapes that correspond to one or more objects 104 present or absentwithin one or more areas 106. The one or more approximating units 132may utilize numerous technologies. For example, an approximating unit132 can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infraredradiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection;corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers,bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonardetection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infraredrange finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof. Theapproximated distances can be used to direct sterilizing radiation ontoor away from one or more objects 104 or surfaces 134.

The other components of system 130 have been described with reference tosystem 100.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example system 160 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 160 is operable to providea sterilization method that may be used to sterilize an area, a portionof an area, objects within an area, and/or substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the system 160 is operable to provide asterilization method that can be used to sterilize an area, sterilize aportion of an area, sterilize objects within an area, avoid sterilizingan area, avoid sterilizing a portion of an area, avoid sterilizingobjects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the system 160 is operable to sterilize an area orportion of an area 106 without exposing one or more humans presentwithin the area or portion of the area 106 to sterilizing radiation. Insome embodiments, the system 160 is operable to sterilize an area orportion of an area 106 without substantially exposing one or more humanspresent within the area or portion of the area 106 to sterilizingradiation.

The system 160 includes one or more detectors 162. The one or moredetectors 162 can be used to detect the presence or absence of one ormore objects 104 within one or more areas or portions of one or moreareas 106. In some embodiments, the one or more detectors 162 can detectthe presence or absence of one or more humans in one or more areas orone or more portions of one or more areas 106. In some embodiments, theone or more detectors 162 can detect if one or more shadows are presentwithin one or more areas 106. In some embodiments, the one or moredetectors 162 can detect one or more shapes that correspond to one ormore objects present or absent within one or more areas 106. The one ormore detectors 162 may utilize numerous technologies. For example, adetector 162 can use technologies that include, but are not limited to,infrared radiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinalreflection; corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badgereaders, bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radardetection; sonar detection; computer modeling; range finders, such aslaser and infrared range finders; and/or substantially any combinationthereof.

The system 160 includes one or more receiving units 164. The one or morereceiving units 164 can receive one or more signals 110 from one or moredetectors 162. One or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112 can emitor not emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receivingunits 164.

The other components of system 160 have been described with reference tosystem 100.

FIG. 1D illustrates an example system 190 in which embodiments may beimplemented. In some embodiments, the system 190 is operable to providea sterilization method that may be used to sterilize an area, a portionof an area, objects within an area, and/or substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, the system 190 is operable to provide asterilization method that can be used to sterilize an area, sterilize aportion of an area, sterilize objects within an area, avoid sterilizingan area, avoid sterilizing a portion of an area, avoid sterilizingobjects within an area, and/or substantially any combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the system 190 is operable to sterilize an area orportion of an area 106 without exposing one or more humans presentwithin the area or portion of the area 106 to sterilizing radiation. Insome embodiments, the system 190 is operable to sterilize an area orportion of an area 106 without substantially exposing one or more humanspresent within the area or portion of the area 106 to sterilizingradiation.

The system 190 includes circuitry 192 for determining the presence orabsence of one or more objects within one or more areas or one or moreportions of one or more areas 106. In some embodiments, the circuitry192 can determine the presence or absence of one or more humans in oneor more areas or one or more portions of one or more areas 106. In someembodiments, the circuitry 192 can determine if one or more shadows arepresent within one or more areas 106. In some embodiments, the circuitry192 can determine one or more shapes that correspond to one or moreobjects present or absent within one or more areas 106. The circuitry192 may utilize numerous technologies. For example, the circuitry 192can use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infraredradiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection;corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers,bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonardetection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infraredrange finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof.

The system 190 includes circuitry for transmitting one or more signals110 to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112. One or moresources of sterilizing radiation 112 can emit or not emit sterilizingradiation in response to the signal from the circuitry for transmitting194. The circuitry for transmitting 194 can transmit numerous types ofsignals 110 to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112. Forexample, the circuitry for transmitting 194 can transmit a signal 110that includes, but is not limited to, a hardwired signal, an infraredsignal, an optical signal, a radiofrequency (RF) signal, a digitalsignal, an analog signal, or substantially any combination thereof toone or more sources of sterilizing radiation 112.

The system 190 may include one or more recording devices 114. In someembodiments, the one or more recording devices 114 communicate with thecircuitry for transmitting 194, communicate with the circuitry fordetermining 192 or communicate with both the circuitry for transmitting194 and the circuitry for determining 192.

The other components of system 190 have been described with reference tosystem 100.

Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations ofprocesses. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organized suchthat the initial flowcharts present implementations via an overall “bigpicture” viewpoint and thereafter the following flowcharts presentalternate implementations and/or expansions of the “big picture”flowcharts as either sub-steps or additional steps building on one ormore earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art willappreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g.,beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an overallview and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details insubsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easyunderstanding of the various process implementations. In addition, thoseskilled in the art will further appreciate that the style ofpresentation used herein also lends itself well to modular and/orobject-oriented program design paradigms.

FIG. 2 illustrates an operational flow 200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 2 and in following figures that include various examplesof operations used during performance of the sterilization method,discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1A, and/or with respect to otherexamples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1A. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 200 includes an operation210 involving determining if one or more objects are present or absentwithin one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more determiningunits act to determine if one or more objects are present or absent inone or more areas. In some embodiments, a single determining unit actsto determine the presence or absence of one or more objects within onearea. In some embodiments, a single determining unit acts to determinethe presence or absence of one or more objects within two or more areas.In some embodiments, two or more determining units act to determine thepresence or absence of one or more objects within one area. In someembodiments, two or more determining units act to determine the presenceor absence of one or more objects within two or more areas.

The operational flow 200 also includes a transmitting operation 220involving transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation in response to the determining. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units transmit one or more signalsto one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to thedetermining operation. Accordingly, in some embodiments, onetransmitting unit can transmit one or more signals to a single source ofsterilizing radiation or to numerous sources of sterilizing radiation.For example, in some embodiments, one transmitting unit transmits onesignal to one source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, onetransmitting unit transmits more than one signal to one source ofsterilizing radiation. In other embodiments, one transmitting unittransmits one signal to more than one source of sterilizing radiation.In still other embodiments, one transmitting unit transmits more thanone signal to more than one source of sterilizing radiation. Inaddition, two or more transmitting units can each transmit one or moresignals to a single source of sterilizing radiation or to numeroussources of sterilizing radiation. For example, in some embodiments, twoor more transmitting units can each transmit one or more signals to asingle source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, two or moretransmitting units can each transmit one or more signals to numeroussources of sterilizing radiation.

FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example embodiments where thedetermining operation 210 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 302, an operation 304, anoperation 306, and/or an operation 308.

At operation 302, the determining operation 210 may include detectingone or more signals associated with one or more humans. In someembodiments, one or more determining units are used to detect one ormore signals associated with one or more humans. In some embodiments,one signal associated with a human can be detected. In some embodiments,one or more signals associated with a human can be detected. In someembodiments, one or more signals associated with one or more humans canbe detected. In other embodiments, detecting at least one signalassociated with a human includes detecting the absence of any signalassociated with a human. For example, the absence of one or more humansfrom an area can be detected.

Numerous signals that are associated with one or more humans can bedetected. Examples of such signals include, but are not limited to,infrared radiation, retinal reflection, motion detection, profiledetection, and substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, a tag that is attached to a human can be detected toindicate the presence or absence of a human in one or more areas. Forexample, a tag can transmit a signal that is recognized by a determiningunit to provide for determining if one or more humans are present orabsent in one or more areas. In other embodiments, the presence orabsence of a human in one or more areas can be detected through use ofan access device that is used to enter one or more areas. For example,an access card, key pad, lock, or other device coupled to entry of ahuman into an area can be detected by the determining unit to indicatethe presence or absence of a human within the area.

At operation 304, the determining operation 210 may include determiningone or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one ormore areas. In some embodiments, one or more determining units are usedto determine one or more distances between one or more surfaces withinthe one or more areas. Such determining can include approximation ofsuch distances. Numerous methods can be used to determine distancesbetween surfaces within an area. In some embodiments, computer modelingcan be used to determine the dimensions of an area and distances betweensurfaces within the area. In other embodiments, the distances betweensurfaces contained within an area can be determined through use of othermethods, and combinations of methods, that include laser range finding,sonar, radar, and the like. The determination of distances to surfaceswithin an area allows the position of objects within the area to bemodeled. In addition, determination of distances to surfaces within anarea allows sterilizing radiation to be adjusted in accordance with adetermined distance.

At operation 306, the determining operation 210 may include determiningif one or more shadows are present within the one or more areas. In someembodiments, one or more determining units are used to determine if oneor more shadows are present within the one or more areas. Shadows mayoccur when incident radiation is blocked from irradiating a portion ofan area by an object positioned between the source of radiation and theportion of the area. Determining the existence of such shadows allowsportions of an area that will not be sterilized by incident radiation tobe predicted and assigned non-sterile status. Alternatively, determiningthe existence of such shadows provides for the irradiation of theshadows with sterilizing radiation emitted from a second source ofsterilizing radiation. Such determining can include computer modeling todetermine if radiation, such as ultraviolet light, emitted from a sourceof sterilizing radiation at an assigned position will impinge on a givenportion of the area. Additional methods may be used to determine if oneor more shadows are present within an area that include the use ofsensors positioned throughout the area, use of indicators thatphosphoresce or change color when irradiated, and the like.

At operation 308, the determining operation 210 may include determiningone or more shapes that correspond to the one or more objects present orabsent in the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or moredetermining units are used to determine one or more shapes thatcorrespond to the one or more objects present or absent in the one ormore areas. Objects present within an area can be of various shapes thatmay affect their ability to be sterilized by being irradiated withsterilizing radiation. Accordingly, determination of the shape of anobject provides for the adjustment of sterilizing radiation so that itis incident on the object in order that the object can be moreadequately sterilized. For example, a beam of sterilizing radiation maybe adjusted so that it is directed on channels that are included withinan object such that the spaces within the channels are adequatelysterilized with the sterilizing radiation. The shape of an object may bedetermined through use of numerous techniques. For example, in someembodiments, computer modeling can be used to determine the shape ofobjects that are present in an area. In other embodiments, shapes thatcorrespond to the one or more objects present in an area can bedetermined through use of photographic methods, optical methods, and thelike. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or more areasor one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of such objectsinclude, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals, plants,surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables,machinery, waste areas, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 402, anoperation 404, an operation 406, an operation 408, and/or an operation410.

At operation 402, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one ormore signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In suchinstances, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation will emitradiation in a manner that does not involve the alternating emission andnon-emission of radiation according to a substantially cyclic pattern.However, such emission may be started and stopped, intensity modulated,paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow apreprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, or substantially anycombination thereof. In contrast to constant emission, radiation emittedin a pulsed manner involves emission and non-emission of radiationaccording to a substantially cyclic repeated pattern.

At operation 404, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation. In such instances, radiationwill be emitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationaccording to a substantially cyclic program that includes an alternatingperiod of emission followed by a period of non-emission. For example,radiation is emitted in flashes that occur at specifically spaced timepoints. Emission of radiation that is emitted as a pulse may be startedand stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted,resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine orsequence, and substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed manner may be used toreduce heat output associated with a source of sterilizing radiation.

At operation 406, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signalsto one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments,numerous wavelengths of ultraviolet light can be emitted from a sourceof sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emitultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, a sourceof sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet lightthat is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, in someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emits ultravioletlight can also emit additional forms of radiation. These additionalforms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gamma radiation,visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sourcesof ultraviolet radiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC,Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products,Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 408, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 100 and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light. In some embodiments, numerous wavelengths ofultraviolet light can be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 100 nanometers and 400nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometersand 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetricon 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emitadditional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation caninclude, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light,infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultravioletradiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton HeadIsland, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif.92618).

At operation 410, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers. Insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometers and 300nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometersand 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetricon 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emitadditional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation caninclude, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light,infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultravioletradiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton HeadIsland, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif.92618).

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 502, anoperation 504, an operation 506, an operation 508, and/or an operation510.

At operation 502, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers. Insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometersand 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers.In addition, in some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation thatemits ultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation.These additional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to,gamma radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, andthe like. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available(Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 504, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signalsto one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. Gamma radiation may beemitted from a source of sterilizing radiation that includes Cobalt-60.Such sources are known and are commercially available (MDS Nordion,Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

At operation 506, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to direct sterilizing radiation emitted from the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to direct sterilizing radiationemitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is directed such that it impingeson a portion of an area. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiationis directed away from one or more objects or surfaces. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is focused such that it impingeson one or more defined surfaces or objects. Focusing of sterilizingradiation can serve to increase the intensity of sterilizing radiationimpinging on a given area. Accordingly, sterilizing radiation may beintensified on an area or portion of an area in need of such treatment.

At operation 508, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto shape sterilizing radiation emitted from the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, one or more transmittingunits are used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to shape sterilizing radiation emitted from theone or more sources of sterilizing radiation. Sterilizing radiation maybe shaped though use of numerous methods. For example, lenses andmirrors can be used to shape sterilizing radiation. Accordingly, thespatial distribution of sterilizing radiation can be controlled. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is shaped such that one or morespecific areas or objects are irradiated. In some embodiments, thesterilizing radiation is shaped to avoid irradiating one or morespecific areas or objects. In some embodiments, the sterilizationradiation is shaped into a beam that can be swept to sterilize one ormore areas or one or more portions of one or more areas.

At operation 510, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or moreobjects. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used totransmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or moreobjects. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or moreareas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of suchobjects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals,plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks,tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 602, anoperation 604, an operation 606, an operation 608, and/or an operation610.

At operation 602, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more objects. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one ormore signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation instructingthe one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizingradiation onto the one or more surfaces. Numerous objects may be presentor absent within one or more areas or one or more portions of one ormore areas. Examples of such objects include, but are not limited to,humans, non-human animals, plants, surgical instruments, cookingutensils, eating utensils, sinks, tables, machinery, waste areas, andthe like.

At operation 604, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation in response to determining one or more distances between oneor more surfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals toone or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to determiningone or more distances between one or more surfaces within the one ormore areas. The one or more transmitting units respond to one or moredetermining units that determine one or more distances between one ormore surfaces within the one or more areas.

At operation 606, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to one or more recording devices.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmitone or more signals to one or more recording devices. Many types ofrecording devices may be used. Examples of such recording devicesinclude, but are not limited to, many types of memory, optical disks,magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and the like. In some embodiments, one ormore recording devices provide for user interaction. In someembodiments, the signal includes information associated with frequencyof sterilization, intensity of sterilization, area of sterilization, andthe like.

At operation 608, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatiallydefined portions of the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto oneor more spatially defined portions of the one or more areas. Examples ofsuch areas include, but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operatingrooms and wards; transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars,subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatiallydefined portions of one or more areas include, but are not limited to,one or more sinks within one or more operating rooms, one or more tableswithin one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of flooringwithin one or more operating rooms, one or more portions of sidingwithin one or more operating rooms, and the like.

At operation 610, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areasaccording to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one ormore areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are usedto transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas according toone or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. Oneor more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areasaccording to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas.For example, an operating room in a hospital may receive a highsterilization level while a reception room may receive a lowsterilization level.

FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 220 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 702, and/or anoperation 704.

At operation 702, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting unitsare used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more areas in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includesirradiating one or more areas with respect to immediacy, latency,intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized mannerincludes irradiating one or more areas with regard to time-integratedintensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or moreareas as functions of either relative or absolute locations in thereference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard orhigh-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes can be specified for themost rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

At operation 704, the transmitting operation 220 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or moreshapes that correspond to the one or more objects present or absentwithin the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or moredetermining units are used to determine one or more shapes thatcorrespond to the one or more objects present or absent within the oneor more areas. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units areused to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to instruct the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or moreshapes that correspond to the one or more objects present or absentwithin the one or more areas. Objects present within an area can be ofvarious shapes that may affect their ability to be sterilized by beingirradiated with sterilizing radiation. Accordingly, determination of theshape of an object provides for the adjustment of sterilizing radiationso that it is incident on the object in order that the object can bemore adequately sterilized. For example, a beam of sterilizing radiationmay be adjusted so that it is directed on channels that are includedwithin an object such that the spaces within the channels are adequatelysterilized with the sterilizing radiation. The shape of an object may bedetermined through use of numerous techniques. For example, in someembodiments, computer modeling can be used to determine the shape ofobjects that are present in an area. In other embodiments, shapes thatcorrespond to the one or more objects present in an area can bedetermined through use of photographic methods, optical methods, and thelike.

FIG. 8 illustrates an operational flow 800 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 8 and in following figures that include various examplesof operations used during performance of the sterilization method,discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1B, and/or with respect to otherexamples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1B. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 800 includes anapproximating operation 810 involving approximating one or moredistances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one ormore surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or moreapproximating units act to approximate one or more distances from one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within oneor more areas. In some embodiments, a single approximating unit acts toapproximate one or more distances from one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation to one or more surfaces within one or more areas.In some embodiments, two or more approximating units act to approximateone or more distances from one or more sources of sterilizing radiationto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments,two or more approximating units act to approximate one or more distancesfrom one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to one or moresurfaces within one or more areas.

The operational flow 800 also includes a transmitting operation 820involving transmitting one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation in response to the approximating. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units transmit one or more signalsto one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in response to theapproximating operation 810. Accordingly, in some embodiments, onetransmitting unit can transmit one or more signals to a single source ofsterilizing radiation or to numerous sources of sterilizing radiation.For example, in some embodiments, one transmitting unit transmits onesignal to one source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, onetransmitting unit transmits more than one signal to one source ofsterilizing radiation. In other embodiments, one transmitting unittransmits one signal to more than one source of sterilizing radiation.In still other embodiments, one transmitting unit transmits more thanone signal to more than one source of sterilizing radiation. Inaddition, two or more transmitting units can each transmit one or moresignals to a single source of sterilizing radiation or to numeroussources of sterilizing radiation. For example, in some embodiments, twoor more transmitting units can each transmit one or more signals to asingle source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, two or moretransmitting units can each transmit one or more signals to numeroussources of sterilizing radiation.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 800 of FIG. 8. FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where theapproximating operation 810 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 902, anoperation 904, an operation 906, and/or an operation 908.

At operation 902, the approximating operation 810 may includeapproximating one or more shapes that correspond to the one or moresurfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or moreapproximating units can approximate distances between one or more shapesthat correspond to one or more surfaces of one or more objects presentor absent within one or more areas. The one or more approximating unitsmay utilize numerous technologies. For example, an approximating unitcan use technologies that include, but are not limited to, infraredradiation, such as long-wave infrared radiation; retinal reflection;corneal reflection; tag readers, such as card readers, badge readers,bar code readers, and the like; motion detection; radar detection; sonardetection; computer modeling; range finders, such as laser and infraredrange finders; and/or substantially any combination thereof. Theapproximated distances can be used to direct sterilizing radiation ontoor away from one or more objects or surfaces.

At operation 904, the approximating operation 810 may includeapproximating if the one or more surfaces within the one or more areasare included within one or more shadows. In some embodiments, one ormore approximating units are used to determine if one or more surfaceswithin one or more areas are included within one or more shadows presentwithin the one or more areas. Shadows may occur when incident radiationis blocked from irradiating a portion of an area by an object positionedbetween the source of radiation and the portion of the area. Determiningthe existence of such shadows allows portions of an area that will notbe sterilized by incident radiation to be predicted and assignednon-sterile status. Alternatively, determining the existence of suchshadows provides for the irradiation of the shadows with sterilizingradiation emitted from a second source of sterilizing radiation. Suchdetermining can include computer modeling to determine if radiation,such as ultraviolet light, emitted from a source of sterilizingradiation at an assigned position will impinge on a given portion of thearea. Additional methods may be used to determine if one or more shadowsare present within an area that include the use of sensors positionedthroughout the one or more areas, use of indicators that phosphoresce orchange color when irradiated, and the like.

At operation 906, the approximating operation 810 may includeapproximating the one or more distances by accessing a database. In someembodiments, one or more approximating units are used to approximate oneor more distances by accessing a database. In some embodiments, adatabase will include coordinates for one or more surfaces and/or one ormore objects within one or more areas. In some embodiments, a databasewill include measured distances for one or more surfaces and/or one ormore objects within one or more areas.

At operation 908, the approximating operation 810 may includeapproximating the one or more distances by modeling the one or moreareas. In some embodiments, one or more approximating units are used toapproximate the one or more distances by modeling the one or more areas.In some embodiments, computer modeling may be used to model one or moresurfaces within one or more areas, one or more objects within one ormore areas, one or more areas, one or more portions of one or more areasand substantially any combination thereof.

FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 800 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 820 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 1002, anoperation 1004, an operation 1006, an operation 1008, and/or anoperation 1010.

At operation 1002, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. Insome embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmitthe one or more signals to the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation. In such instances, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation will emit radiation in a manner that does not involve thealternating emission and non-emission of radiation according to asubstantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission may be started andstopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed,programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, orsubstantially any combination thereof. In contrast to constant emission,radiation emitted in a pulsed manner involves emission and non-emissionof radiation according to a substantially cyclic repeated pattern.

At operation 1004, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments,one or more transmitting units are used to transmit the one or moresignals to the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In suchinstances, radiation will be emitted from the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation according to a substantially cyclic program thatincludes an alternating period of emission followed by a period ofnon-emission. For example, radiation is emitted in flashes that occur atspecifically spaced time points. Emission of radiation that is emittedas a pulse may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused,initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammedschedule, routine or sequence, and substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed mannermay be used to reduce heat output associated with a source ofsterilizing radiation.

At operation 1006, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one ormore signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In someembodiments, numerous wavelengths of ultraviolet light can be emittedfrom a source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emitsultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation. Theseadditional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gammaradiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and thelike. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available(Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 1008, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having awavelength between 100 and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 100 and 400 nanometers. Insome embodiments, numerous wavelengths of ultraviolet light can beemitted from a source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometersand 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers.In addition, in some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation thatemits ultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation.These additional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to,gamma radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, andthe like. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available(Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 1010, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having awavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers. Insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometers and 300nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometersand 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetricon 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emitadditional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation caninclude, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light,infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultravioletradiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton HeadIsland, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif.92618).

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 800 of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 820 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 1102, anoperation 1104, an operation 1106, an operation 1108, and/or anoperation 1110.

At operation 1102, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having awavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, one ormore transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers. Insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometersand 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers.In addition, in some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation thatemits ultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation.These additional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to,gamma radiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, andthe like. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available(Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 1104, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In someembodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmit one ormore signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. Gammaradiation may be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation thatincludes Cobalt-60. Such sources are known and are commerciallyavailable (MDS Nordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

At operation 1106, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to direct sterilizing radiation emitted from the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to direct sterilizing radiationemitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is directed such that it impingeson a portion of an area. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiationis directed away from one or more objects or surfaces. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is focused such that it impingeson one or more defined surfaces or objects. Focusing of sterilizingradiation can serve to increase the intensity of sterilizing radiationimpinging on a given area. Accordingly, sterilizing radiation may beintensified on an area or portion of an area in need of such treatment.

At operation 1108, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to shape sterilizing radiation emitted from the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, one or moretransmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals to one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation to shape sterilizing radiationemitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation.Sterilizing radiation may be shaped though use of numerous methods. Forexample, lenses and mirrors can be used to shape sterilizing radiation.Accordingly, the spatial distribution of sterilizing radiation can becontrolled. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiation is shapedsuch that one or more specific areas or objects are irradiated. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is shaped to avoid irradiatingone or more specific areas or objects. In some embodiments, thesterilization radiation is shaped into a beam that can be swept tosterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or moreareas.

At operation 1110, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or moresurfaces. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are usedto transmit one or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or moreobjects. Numerous objects may be present or absent within one or moreareas or one or more portions of one or more areas. Examples of suchobjects include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human animals,plants, surgical instruments, cooking utensils, eating utensils, sinks,tables, machinery, waste areas, and the like.

FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 800 of FIG. 8. FIG. 12 illustrates example embodiments where thetransmitting operation 820 may include at least one additionaloperation. Additional operations may include an operation 1202, anoperation 1204, an operation 1206, an operation 1208, and/or anoperation 1210.

At operation 1202, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto the one or more surfaces.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmitone or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiationinstructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emitsterilizing radiation onto the one or more surfaces. Examples of suchsurfaces may occur in areas that include, but are not limited to,hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such asairplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and thelike. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are notlimited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operatingrooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms,one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one ormore siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

At operation 1204, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatiallydefined surfaces within the one or more areas. In some embodiments, oneor more transmitting units are used to transmit one or more signals toone or more sources of sterilizing radiation to instruct the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto oneor more spatially defined surfaces within the one or more areas.Examples of such surfaces may occur in areas that include, but are notlimited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards;transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses;kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatially definedsurfaces within one or more areas include, but are not limited to, oneor more sink surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or moretable surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more floorsurfaces within one or more operating rooms, one or more siding surfaceswithin one or more operating rooms, and the like.

At operation 1206, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfacesaccording to a sterilization level assigned to the one or more surfaces.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmitone or more signals to one or more sources of sterilizing radiationinstructing the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation to emitsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces according to asterilization level assigned to the one or more surfaces. One or moresterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areas according tothe degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example,an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization levelwhile a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

At operation 1208, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to the one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more transmitting unitsare used to transmit one or more signals to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation instructing the one or more sources of sterilizingradiation to emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces in aprioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized manner includesirradiating one or more surfaces with respect to immediacy, latency,intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritized mannerincludes irradiating one or more surfaces with regard to time-integratedintensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiation of one or moresurfaces as functions of either relative or absolute locations in thereference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazard orhigh-infectivity-likelihood surfaces can be specified for the mostrigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

At operation 1210, the transmitting operation 820 may includetransmitting the one or more signals to one or more recording devices.In some embodiments, one or more transmitting units are used to transmitone or more signals to one or more recording devices. Many types ofrecording devices may be used. Examples of such recording devicesinclude, but are not limited to, many types of memory, optical disks,magnetic disks, magnetic tape, and the like. In some embodiments, one ormore recording devices provide for user interaction.

FIG. 13 illustrates an operational flow 1300 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 13 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operations used during performance of the sterilizationmethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1C, and/or with respect to otherexamples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1C. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 1300 includes a receivingoperation 1310 involving receiving one or more signals from one or moredetectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units act toreceive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In someembodiments, a single receiving unit acts to receive one or more signalsfrom one or more detectors. In some embodiments, two or more receivingunits act to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. Insome embodiments, two or more receiving units act to receive one or moresignals from one or more detectors.

The operational flow 1300 also includes an emitting operation 1320involving emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving.In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving. Accordingly, in someembodiments, a single source of sterilizing radiation or numeroussources of sterilizing radiation can respond to one receiving unit. Insome embodiments, one source of sterilizing radiation can respond to oneor more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation can respond to one or more receiving units.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1310 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1402, an operation 1404,an operation 1406, an operation 1408, and/or an operation 1410.

At operation 1402, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiationsubstantially constantly. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits are used to receive one or more signals from one or moredetectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receiveinstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiationsubstantially constantly. In such instances, radiation will be emittedfrom one or more sources of sterilizing radiation in a manner that doesnot involve the alternating emission and non-emission of radiationaccording to a substantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission maybe started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated,interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule,routine or sequence, or substantially any combination thereof. Incontrast to constant emission, radiation emitted in a pulsed mannerinvolves emission and non-emission of radiation according to asubstantially cyclic repeated pattern.

At operation 1404, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as a pulse.In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive oneor more signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation as a pulse. In such instances, radiation will beemitted from the one or more sources of sterilizing radiation accordingto a substantially cyclic program that includes an alternating period ofemission followed by a period of non-emission. For example, radiation isemitted in flashes that occur at specifically spaced time points.Emission of radiation that is emitted as a pulse may be started andstopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted, resumed,programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine or sequence, andsubstantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, emission ofradiation in a pulsed manner may be used to reduce heat outputassociated with a source of sterilizing radiation.

At operation 1406, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units areused to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associatedwith emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light. In someembodiments, numerous wavelengths of ultraviolet light can be emittedfrom a source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emitsultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation. Theseadditional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gammaradiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and thelike. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available(Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 1408, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 100 and 400 nanometers. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one ormore signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between100 and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, numerous wavelengths ofultraviolet light can be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 100 nanometers and 400nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometersand 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetricon 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emitadditional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation caninclude, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light,infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultravioletradiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton HeadIsland, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif.92618).

At operation 1410, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one ormore signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit ultravioletlight at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, in someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emits ultravioletlight can also emit additional forms of radiation. These additionalforms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gamma radiation,visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sourcesof ultraviolet radiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC,Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products,Irvine, Calif. 92618).

FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1310 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1502, an operation 1504,an operation 1506, an operation 1508, and/or an operation 1510.

At operation 1502, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one ormore signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetricon 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emitadditional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation caninclude, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light,infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultravioletradiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton HeadIsland, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif.92618).

At operation 1504, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as gammaradiation. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units are used toreceive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associatedwith emitting sterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. Gamma radiationmay be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation that includesCobalt-60. Such sources are known and are commercially available (MDSNordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

At operation 1506, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with directing sterilizing radiation emittedfrom one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments,one or more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals fromone or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving unitsreceive instructions associated with directing sterilizing radiationemitted from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is directed such that it impingeson a portion of an area. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiationis directed away from one or more objects or surfaces. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is focused such that it impingeson one or more defined surfaces or objects. Focusing of sterilizingradiation can serve to increase the intensity of sterilizing radiationimpinging on a given area. Accordingly, sterilizing radiation may beintensified on an area or portion of an area in need of such treatment.

At operation 1508, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with shaping sterilizing radiation emitted fromone or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, oneor more receiving units are used to receive one or more signals from oneor more detectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving unitsreceive instructions associated with shaping sterilizing radiationemitted from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. Sterilizingradiation may be shaped though use of numerous methods. For example,lenses and mirrors can be used to shape sterilizing radiation.Accordingly, the spatial distribution of sterilizing radiation can becontrolled. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiation is shapedsuch that one or more specific areas or objects are irradiated. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is shaped to avoid irradiatingone or more specific areas or objects. In some embodiments, thesterilization radiation is shaped into a beam that can be swept tosterilize one or more areas or one or more portions of one or moreareas.

At operation 1510, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivingone or more signals associated with one or more humans. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or moresignals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units receive one or more signals associated with one or morehumans. In some embodiments, one signal associated with a human can bereceived. In some embodiments, one or more signals associated with ahuman can be received. In some embodiments, one or more signalsassociated with one or more humans can be received. In otherembodiments, receiving one or more signals associated with one or morehumans includes receiving the absence of any signal associated with oneor more humans. Numerous signals that are associated with one or morehumans can be received. Examples of such signals include, but are notlimited to, infrared radiation, retinal reflection, motion detection,profile detection, and substantially any combination thereof. In someembodiments, receiving one or more signals associated with one or morehumans includes receiving one or more signals associated with one ormore tags that are attached to one or more humans. In other embodiments,receiving one or more signals associated with one or more humansincludes receiving one or more signals associated with one or moreaccess devices that are used to enter one or more areas. Examples ofaccess devices include, but are not limited to, access cards, key pads,locks, or other devices coupled to entry of one or more humans into oneor more areas.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1310 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1602, an operation 1604,an operation 1606, an operation 1608, and/or an operation 1610.

At operation 1602, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivingone or more signals associated with one or more humans and instructionsto avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more humans. Insome embodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one ormore signals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one ormore receiving units receive one or more signals associated with one ormore humans and instructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiationonto the one or more humans. In some embodiments, one signal associatedwith a human can be received. In some embodiments, one or more signalsassociated with a human can be received. In some embodiments, one ormore signals associated with one or more humans can be received. Inother embodiments, receiving one or more signals associated with one ormore humans includes receiving the absence of any signal associated withone or more humans. Numerous signals that are associated with one ormore humans can be received. Examples of such signals include, but arenot limited to, infrared radiation, retinal reflection, motiondetection, profile detection, and substantially any combination thereof.In some embodiments, receiving one or more signals associated with oneor more humans includes receiving one or more signals associated withone or more tags that are attached to one or more humans. In otherembodiments, receiving one or more signals associated with one or morehumans includes receiving one or more signals associated with one ormore access devices that are used to enter one or more areas. Examplesof access devices include, but are not limited to, access cards, keypads, locks, or other devices coupled to entry of one or more humansinto one or more areas. In some embodiments, the instructions to avoidemitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more humans includesinstructions to direct the sterilizing radiation away from the one ormore humans. In some embodiments, the instructions to avoid emittingsterilizing radiation onto the one or more humans includes instructionsto discontinue emission of sterilizing radiation from one or moresources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the instructionsto avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more humansincludes instructions to not start emitting sterilizing radiation fromone or more sources of sterilizing radiation.

At operation 1604, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivingone or more signals that indicate one or more distances between surfaceswithin one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receivingunits are used to receive one or more signals from one or moredetectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receive oneor more signals that indicate one or more distances between surfaceswithin one or more areas. In some embodiments, the one or more signalsindicate approximate distances between one or more surfaces within oneor more areas. In some embodiments, the one or more signals indicateapproximate distances between one or more surfaces in one or more areasand one or more sources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments,the one or more surfaces are on one or more objects included within theone or more areas. In some embodiments, the one or more surfaces are onone or more humans.

At operation 1606, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or moresurfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or moredetectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receiveinstructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or moresurfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, butare not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards;transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses;kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one ormore areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaceswithin one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces withinone or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one ormore operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or moreoperating rooms, and the like.

At operation 1608, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore surfaces within one or more areas. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or moredetectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receiveinstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore surfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include,but are not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards;transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses;kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one ormore areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaceswithin one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces withinone or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one ormore operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or moreoperating rooms, and the like.

At operation 1610, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore spatially defined portions of one or more areas. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or moresignals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of oneor more areas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to,hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such asairplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and thelike. Examples of spatially defined portions of one or more areasinclude, but are not limited to, one or more sinks within one or moreoperating rooms, one or more tables within one or more operating rooms,one or more portions of flooring within one or more operating rooms, oneor more portions of siding within one or more operating rooms, and thelike.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments where thereceiving operation 1310 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1702, an operation 1704,an operation 1706, and/or an operation 1708.

At operation 1702, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore areas according to one or more sterilization levels assigned to theone or more areas. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units areused to receive one or more signals from one or more detectors. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units receive instructions associatedwith emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according toone or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. Oneor more sterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areasaccording to the degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas.For example, an operating room in a hospital may receive a highsterilization level while a reception room may receive a lowsterilization level.

At operation 1704, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore surfaces within one or more areas according to one or moresterilization levels assigned to the one or more surfaces. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or moresignals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areasaccording to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one ormore surfaces. One or more sterilization levels may be assigned to oneor more surfaces within one or more areas according to the degree ofsterility desired for the one or more areas. For example, a surfacewithin an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilizationlevel while a surface within a reception room may receive a lowsterilization level.

At operation 1706, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units are used to receive one or more signals from one or moredetectors. In some embodiments, one or more receiving units receiveinstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore areas in a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritizedmanner includes irradiating one or more areas with respect to immediacy,latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritizedmanner includes irradiating one or more areas with regard totime-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiationof one or more areas as functions of either relative or absolutelocations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazardor high-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes can be specified forthe most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

At operation 1708, the receiving operation 1310 may include receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore surfaces within one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In someembodiments, one or more receiving units are used to receive one or moresignals from one or more detectors. In some embodiments, one or morereceiving units receive instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areasin a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, a prioritized mannerincludes irradiating one or more surfaces with respect to immediacy,latency, intensity, and the like. In some embodiments, a prioritizedmanner includes irradiating one or more surfaces with regard totime-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiation such as irradiationof one or more surfaces as functions of either relative or absolutelocations in the reference enclosed volume so that high-patient-hazardor high-infectivity-likelihood surfaces and volumes can be specified forthe most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 18 illustrates example embodiments where theemitting operation 1320 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1802, an operation 1804,an operation 1806, an operation 1808, and/or an operation 1810.

At operation 1802, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation substantially constantly. In some embodiments, oneor more sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation inresponse to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiationsubstantially constantly. In such instances, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation will emit radiation in a manner that does notinvolve the alternating emission and non-emission of radiation accordingto a substantially cyclic pattern. However, such emission may be startedand stopped, intensity modulated, paused, initiated, interrupted,resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammed schedule, routine orsequence, or substantially any combination thereof. In contrast toconstant emission, radiation emitted in a pulsed manner involvesemission and non-emission of radiation according to a substantiallycyclic repeated pattern.

At operation 1804, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation as a pulse. In some embodiments, one or moresources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in responseto one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sourcesof sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation as a pulse. Insuch instances, radiation will be emitted from the one or more sourcesof sterilizing radiation according to a substantially cyclic programthat includes an alternating period of emission followed by a period ofnon-emission. For example, radiation is emitted in flashes that occur atspecifically spaced time points. Emission of radiation that is emittedas a pulse may be started and stopped, intensity modulated, paused,initiated, interrupted, resumed, programmed to follow a preprogrammedschedule, routine or sequence, and substantially any combinationthereof. In some embodiments, emission of radiation in a pulsed mannermay be used to reduce heat output associated with a source ofsterilizing radiation.

At operation 1806, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation inresponse to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light. In some embodiments, numerous wavelengths ofultraviolet light can be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 100 nanometers and 400nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 180 nanometersand 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizingradiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is between255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit ultraviolet light at about 260nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit any wavelength of ultraviolet light that is centered but asymmetricon 265 nanometers. In addition, in some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation that emits ultraviolet light can also emitadditional forms of radiation. These additional forms of radiation caninclude, but are not limited to, gamma radiation, visible light,infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sources of ultravioletradiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton HeadIsland, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine, Calif.92618).

At operation 1808, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between100 and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one ormore receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation as ultravioletlight having a wavelength between 100 and 400 nanometers. In someembodiments, numerous wavelengths of ultraviolet light can be emittedfrom a source of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 100 nanometers and 400 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit anywavelength of ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270nanometers. In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation canemit ultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, insome embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emitsultraviolet light can also emit additional forms of radiation. Theseadditional forms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gammaradiation, visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and thelike. Sources of ultraviolet radiation are commercially available(Enhance-It, LLC, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and AdvancedSterilization Products, Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 1810, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one ormore receiving units. In some embodiments, numerous wavelengths ofultraviolet light can be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation.In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation mayemit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 180 and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis between 180 nanometers and 300 nanometers. In some embodiments, asource of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelengthof ultraviolet light that is between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers.In some embodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emitultraviolet light at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, a sourceof sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet lightthat is centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, in someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emits ultravioletlight can also emit additional forms of radiation. These additionalforms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gamma radiation,visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sourcesof ultraviolet radiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC,Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products,Irvine, Calif. 92618).

FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments where theemitting operation 1320 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1902, an operation 1904,an operation 1906, an operation 1908, and/or an operation 1910.

At operation 1902, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one ormore receiving units. In some embodiments, numerous wavelengths ofultraviolet light can be emitted from a source of sterilizing radiation.In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation mayemit sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 250 and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments, one or more sourcesof sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet lightthat is between 255 nanometers and 280 nanometers. In some embodiments,a source of sterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultravioletlight that is between 260 nanometers and 270 nanometers. In someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation can emit ultravioletlight at about 260 nanometers. In some embodiments, a source ofsterilizing radiation can emit any wavelength of ultraviolet light thatis centered but asymmetric on 265 nanometers. In addition, in someembodiments, a source of sterilizing radiation that emits ultravioletlight can also emit additional forms of radiation. These additionalforms of radiation can include, but are not limited to, gamma radiation,visible light, infrared radiation, electron beams, and the like. Sourcesof ultraviolet radiation are commercially available (Enhance-It, LLC,Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926 and Advanced Sterilization Products,Irvine, Calif. 92618).

At operation 1904, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation as gamma radiation. In some embodiments, one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation inresponse to one or more receiving units. In some embodiments, one ormore sources of sterilizing radiation may emit sterilizing radiation asgamma radiation. Gamma radiation may be emitted from a source ofsterilizing radiation that includes Cobalt-60. Such sources are knownand are commercially available (MDS Nordion, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada).

At operation 1906, the emitting operation 1320 may include directingsterilizing radiation emitted from one or more sources of sterilizingradiation. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or morereceiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation may direct sterilizing radiation emitted from the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the sterilizingradiation is directed such that it impinges on a portion of an area. Insome embodiments, the sterilizing radiation is directed away from one ormore objects or surfaces. In some embodiments, the sterilizing radiationis focused such that it impinges on one or more defined surfaces orobjects. Focusing of sterilizing radiation can serve to increase theintensity of sterilizing radiation impinging on a given area.Accordingly, sterilizing radiation may be intensified on an area orportion of an area in need of such treatment.

At operation 1908, the emitting operation 1320 may include shapingsterilizing radiation emitted from one or more sources of sterilizingradiation. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or morereceiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation may shape sterilizing radiation emitted from the one or moresources of sterilizing radiation. Sterilizing radiation may be shapedthough use of numerous methods. For example, lenses and mirrors can beused to shape sterilizing radiation. Accordingly, the spatialdistribution of sterilizing radiation can be controlled. In someembodiments, the sterilizing radiation is shaped such that one or morespecific areas or objects are irradiated. In some embodiments, thesterilizing radiation is shaped to avoid irradiating one or morespecific areas or objects. In some embodiments, the sterilizationradiation is shaped into a beam that can be swept to sterilize one ormore areas or one or more portions of one or more areas.

At operation 1910, the emitting operation 1320 may include avoidingemitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more humans. In someembodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. Insome embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation avoidingemitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more humans. In someembodiments, avoiding emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or morehumans includes directing the sterilizing radiation away from the one ormore humans. In some embodiments, avoiding emitting sterilizingradiation onto one or more humans includes instructions to discontinueemission of sterilizing radiation from one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, avoiding emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more humans includes instructions tonot start emitting sterilizing radiation from one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation.

FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 20 illustrates example embodiments where theemitting operation 1320 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2002, an operation 2004,an operation 2006, an operation 2008, and/or an operation 2010.

At operation 2002, the emitting operation 1320 may include avoidingemitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one ormore areas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or morereceiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation avoiding emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or moresurfaces within one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, butare not limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards;transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses;kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of surfaces within one ormore areas include, but are not limited to, one or more sink surfaceswithin one or more operating rooms, one or more table surfaces withinone or more operating rooms, one or more floor surfaces within one ormore operating rooms, one or more siding surfaces within one or moreoperating rooms, and the like.

At operation 2004, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or moreareas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiationemit sterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units.In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or moreareas. Examples of such areas include, but are not limited to,hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards; transportation, such asairplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses; kitchens; bathrooms; and thelike. Examples of surfaces within one or more areas include, but are notlimited to, one or more sink surfaces within one or more operatingrooms, one or more table surfaces within one or more operating rooms,one or more floor surfaces within one or more operating rooms, one ormore siding surfaces within one or more operating rooms, and the like.

At operation 2006, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially defined portions of oneor more areas. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or morereceiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more spatially definedportions of one or more areas. Examples of such areas include, but arenot limited to, hospitals, such as operating rooms and wards;transportation, such as airplanes, trains, cars, subways, buses;kitchens; bathrooms; and the like. Examples of spatially definedportions of one or more areas include, but are not limited to, one ormore sinks within one or more operating rooms, one or more tables withinone or more operating rooms, one or more portions of flooring within oneor more operating rooms, one or more portions of siding within one ormore operating rooms, and the like.

At operation 2008, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or moresterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. In someembodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. Insome embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or moresterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas. One or moresterilization levels may be assigned to one or more areas according tothe degree of sterility desired for the one or more areas. For example,an operating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization levelwhile a reception room may receive a low sterilization level.

At operation 2010, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areasaccording to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one ormore surfaces. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one or morereceiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizingradiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces withinone or more areas according to one or more sterilization levels assignedto the one or more surfaces. One or more sterilization levels may beassigned to one or more surfaces according to the degree of sterilitydesired for the one or more surfaces. For example, a surface within anoperating room in a hospital may receive a high sterilization levelwhile a surface within a reception room may receive a low sterilizationlevel.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments where theemitting operation 1320 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2102, and/or an operation2104.

At operation 2102, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritized manner. Insome embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation in response to one or more receiving units. Insome embodiments, one or more sources of sterilizing radiation emitsterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritized manner. Insome embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or moreareas with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. Insome embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or moreareas with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizing radiationsuch as irradiation of one or more areas as functions of either relativeor absolute locations in the reference enclosed volume so thathigh-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood areas and volumes canbe specified for the most rigorous and/or frequent irradiation.

At operation 2102, the emitting operation 1320 may include emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areasin a prioritized manner. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation in response to one ormore receiving units. In some embodiments, one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation emit sterilizing radiation onto one or moresurfaces within one or more areas in a prioritized manner. In someembodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or moresurfaces with respect to immediacy, latency, intensity, and the like. Insome embodiments, a prioritized manner includes irradiating one or moresurfaces with regard to time-integrated intensity of sterilizingradiation such as irradiation of one or more surfaces as functions ofeither relative or absolute locations in the reference enclosed volumeso that high-patient-hazard or high-infectivity-likelihood surfaces andvolumes can be specified for the most rigorous and/or frequentirradiation.

FIG. 22 illustrates an operational flow 2200 representing examples ofoperations that are related to the performance of a sterilizationmethod. In FIG. 22 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operations used during performance of the sterilizationmethod, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect to theabove-described example of FIG. 1D, and/or with respect to otherexamples and contexts. However, it should be understood that theoperations may be executed in a number of other environments andcontexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1D. Also, although thevarious operations are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, itshould be understood that the various operations may be performed inother orders than those which are illustrated, or may be performedconcurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 2200 includes an operation2210 involving circuitry for determining if one or more objects arepresent or absent within one or more areas. In some embodiments, thecircuitry for determining may be used to determine if one or moreobjects are present within one or more areas. In some embodiments, thecircuitry for determining is used to determine the presence or absenceof one or more objects within one area. In some embodiments, thecircuitry for determining is used to determine the presence or absenceof one or more objects within two or more areas.

The operational flow 2200 also includes an operation 2220 involvingcircuitry for transmitting one or more signals to one or more sources ofsterilizing radiation responsive to the circuitry for determining if oneor more objects are present or absent within one or more areas. In someembodiments, the circuitry for transmitting can transmit one or moresignals to a single source of sterilizing radiation or to numeroussources of sterilizing radiation. For example, in some embodiments, thecircuitry for transmitting can transmit one signal to one source ofsterilizing radiation. In some embodiments, the circuitry fortransmitting can transmit more than one signal to one source ofsterilizing radiation. In other embodiments, the circuitry fortransmitting can transmit one signal to more than one source ofsterilizing radiation. In still other embodiments, the circuitry fortransmitting can transmit more than one signal to more than one sourceof sterilizing radiation.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by theappended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill inthe art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at leastone of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that haveA alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive wordand/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and atransmission type medium such as a digital and/or an analogcommunication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wiredcommunications link, a wireless communication link, etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious embodiments described herein can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by various types of electro-mechanical systemshaving a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range ofcomponents that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigidbodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and electro-magneticallyactuated devices, or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, asused herein “electro-mechanical system” includes, but is not limited to,electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., anactuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitryhaving at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitryhaving at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitryforming a general purpose computing device configured by a computerprogram (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computerprogram which at least partially carries out processes and/or devicesdescribed herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer programwhich at least partially carries out processes and/or devices describedherein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms ofrandom access memory), electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment), and any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical orother analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate thatexamples of electro-mechanical systems include but are not limited to avariety of consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems suchas motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, securitysystems, and communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the artwill recognize that electro-mechanical as used herein is not necessarilylimited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuationexcept as context may dictate otherwise.

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto implement devices and/or processes and/or systems in the fashion(s)set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering and/or businesspractices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes and/orsystems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or systems.That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes and/orsystems described herein can be integrated into other devices and/orprocesses and/or systems via a reasonable amount of experimentation.Those having skill in the art will recognize that examples of such otherdevices and/or processes and/or systems might include—as appropriate tocontext and application—all or part of devices and/or processes and/orsystems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g., an airplane, rocket, hovercraft,helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground conveyance (e.g., a car, truck,locomotive, tank, armored personnel carrier, etc.), (c) a building(e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.), (d) an appliance (e.g., arefrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer, etc.), (e) a communicationssystem (e.g., a networked system, a telephone system, a voice-over IPsystem, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an Internet Service Provider(ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest, Southwestern Bell, etc), or(g) a wired/wireless services entity such as Sprint, Cingular, Nextel,etc.), etc.

Although user 118 is shown/described herein as a single illustratedfigure, those skilled in the art will appreciate that user 118 may berepresentative of a human user, a robotic user (e.g., computationalentity), and/or substantially any combination thereof (e.g., a user maybe assisted by one or more robotic agents). In addition, user 118, asset forth herein, although shown as a single entity may in fact becomposed of two or more entities. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that, in general, the same may be said of “sender” and/orother entity-oriented terms as such terms are used herein.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components soassociated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or“operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality,and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewedas being “operably couplable”, to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

1.-42. (canceled)
 43. A sterilization method comprising: receiving oneor more signals from one or more detectors; and emitting sterilizingradiation in response to the receiving.
 44. The method of claim 43,wherein receiving one or more signals from one or more detectorscomprises: receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizingradiation substantially constantly.
 45. The method of claim 43, whereinreceiving one or more signals from one or more detectors comprises:receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation asa pulse.
 46. The method of claim 43, wherein receiving one or moresignals from one or more detectors comprises: receiving instructionsassociated with emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light. 47.The method of claim 43, wherein receiving one or more signals from oneor more detectors comprises: receiving instructions associated withemitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 100 and 400 nanometers. 48.-50. (canceled)
 51. The method ofclaim 43, wherein receiving one or more signals from one or moredetectors comprises: receiving instructions associated with directingsterilizing radiation emitted from one or more sources of sterilizingradiation.
 52. (canceled)
 53. The method of claim 43, wherein receivingone or more signals from one or more detectors comprises: receiving oneor more signals associated with one or more humans.
 54. The method ofclaim 43, wherein receiving one or more signals from one or moredetectors comprises: receiving one or more signals associated with oneor more humans and instructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiationonto the one or more humans.
 55. (canceled)
 56. The method of claim 43,wherein receiving one or more signals from one or more detectorscomprises: receiving instructions to avoid emitting sterilizingradiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas. 57.-62.(canceled)
 63. The method of claim 43, wherein emitting sterilizingradiation in response to the receiving comprises: emitting sterilizingradiation substantially constantly.
 64. The method of claim 43, whereinemitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises:emitting sterilizing radiation as a pulse.
 65. The method of claim 43,wherein emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receivingcomprises: emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light.
 66. Themethod of claim 43, wherein emitting sterilizing radiation in responseto the receiving comprises: emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 100 and 400 nanometers.67.-69. (canceled)
 70. The method of claim 43, wherein emittingsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises: directingsterilizing radiation emitted from one or more sources of sterilizingradiation.
 71. (canceled)
 72. The method of claim 43, wherein emittingsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises: avoidingemitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more humans.
 73. The methodof claim 43, wherein emitting sterilizing radiation in response to thereceiving comprises: avoiding emitting sterilizing radiation onto one ormore surfaces within one or more areas.
 74. The method of claim 43,wherein emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receivingcomprises: emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaceswithin one or more areas.
 75. (canceled)
 76. The method of claim 43,wherein emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receivingcomprises: emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areasaccording to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one ormore areas. 77.-99. (canceled)
 100. A sterilization system comprising:means for receiving one or more signals from one or more detectors; andmeans for emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving.101. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one or moresignals from one or more detectors comprises: means for receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiationsubstantially constantly.
 102. The system of claim 100, wherein meansfor receiving one or more signals from one or more detectors comprises:means for receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizingradiation as a pulse.
 103. The system of claim 100, wherein means forreceiving one or more signals from one or more detectors comprises:means for receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizingradiation as ultraviolet light.
 104. The system of claim 100, whereinmeans for receiving one or more signals from one or more detectorscomprises: means for receiving instructions associated with emittingsterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between100 and 400 nanometers.
 105. The system of claim 100, wherein means forreceiving one or more signals from one or more detectors comprises:means for receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizingradiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 180 and 300nanometers.
 106. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receivingone or more signals from one or more detectors comprises: means forreceiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers.107. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one or moresignals from one or more detectors comprises: means for receivinginstructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiation as gammaradiation.
 108. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receiving oneor more signals from one or more detectors comprises: means forreceiving instructions associated with directing sterilizing radiationemitted from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation.
 109. Thesystem of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one or more signalsfrom one or more detectors comprises: means for receiving instructionsassociated with shaping sterilizing radiation emitted from one or moresources of sterilizing radiation.
 110. The system of claim 100, whereinmeans for receiving one or more signals from one or more detectorscomprises: receiving one or more signals associated with one or morehumans.
 111. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one ormore signals from one or more detectors comprises: means for receivingone or more signals associated with one or more humans and instructionsto avoid emitting sterilizing radiation onto the one or more humans.112. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one or moresignals from one or more detectors comprises: means for receiving one ormore signals that indicate one or more distances between surfaces withinone or more areas.
 113. The system of claim 100, wherein means forreceiving one or more signals from one or more detectors comprises:means for receiving instructions to avoid emitting sterilizing radiationonto one or more surfaces within one or more areas.
 114. The system ofclaim 100, wherein means for receiving one or more signals from one ormore detectors comprises: means for receiving instructions associatedwith emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within oneor more areas.
 115. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receivingone or more signals from one or more detectors comprises: means forreceiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiationonto one or more spatially defined portions of one or more areas. 116.The system of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one or more signalsfrom one or more detectors comprises: means for receiving instructionsassociated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areasaccording to one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one ormore areas.
 117. The system of claim 100, wherein means for receivingone or more signals from one or more detectors comprises: means forreceiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizing radiationonto one or more surfaces within one or more areas according to one ormore sterilization levels assigned to the one or more surfaces.
 118. Thesystem of claim 100, wherein means for receiving one or more signalsfrom one or more detectors comprises: means for receiving instructionsassociated with emitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas ina prioritized manner.
 119. The system of claim 100, wherein means forreceiving one or more signals from one or more detectors comprises:means for receiving instructions associated with emitting sterilizingradiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas in aprioritized manner.
 120. The system of claim 100, wherein means foremitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises:means for emitting sterilizing radiation substantially constantly. 121.The system of claim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizingradiation in response to the receiving comprises: means for emittingsterilizing radiation as a pulse.
 122. The system of claim 100, whereinmeans for emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receivingcomprises: means for emitting sterilizing radiation as ultravioletlight.
 123. The system of claim 100, wherein means for emittingsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises: means foremitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet light having a wavelengthbetween 100 and 400 nanometers.
 124. The system of claim 100, whereinmeans for emitting sterilizing radiation in response to the receivingcomprises: means for emitting sterilizing radiation as ultraviolet lighthaving a wavelength between 180 and 300 nanometers.
 125. The system ofclaim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation in responseto the receiving comprises: means for emitting sterilizing radiation asultraviolet light having a wavelength between 250 and 280 nanometers.126. The system of claim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizingradiation in response to the receiving comprises: means for emittingsterilizing radiation as gamma radiation.
 127. The system of claim 100,wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation in response to thereceiving comprises: means for directing sterilizing radiation emittedfrom one or more sources of sterilizing radiation.
 128. The system ofclaim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation in responseto the receiving comprises: means for shaping sterilizing radiationemitted from one or more sources of sterilizing radiation.
 129. Thesystem of claim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation inresponse to the receiving comprises: means for avoiding emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more humans.
 130. The system of claim100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation in response to thereceiving comprises: means for avoiding emitting sterilizing radiationonto one or more surfaces within one or more areas.
 131. The system ofclaim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation in responseto the receiving comprises: means for emitting sterilizing radiationonto one or more surfaces within one or more areas.
 132. The system ofclaim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation in responseto the receiving comprises: means for emitting sterilizing radiationonto one or more spatially defined portions of one or more areas. 133.The system of claim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizingradiation in response to the receiving comprises: means for emittingsterilizing radiation onto one or more areas according to one or moresterilization levels assigned to the one or more areas.
 134. The systemof claim 100, wherein means for emitting sterilizing radiation inresponse to the receiving comprises: means for emitting sterilizingradiation onto one or more surfaces within one or more areas accordingto one or more sterilization levels assigned to the one or moresurfaces.
 135. The system of claim 100, wherein means for emittingsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises: means foremitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more areas in a prioritizedmanner.
 136. The system of claim 100, wherein means for emittingsterilizing radiation in response to the receiving comprises: means foremitting sterilizing radiation onto one or more surfaces within one ormore areas in a prioritized manner.
 137. A sterilization systemcomprising: circuitry for receiving one or more signals from one or moredetectors; and circuitry for emitting sterilizing radiation in responseto the receiving.